A new study revealed that popular testosterone replacement products may boost risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Low testosterone treatments are growing in popularity as testosterone manufacturers continue to drive aggressive marketing campaigns and advertising; however, men suffering from “low T” may want to consider the possible risks before getting a prescription.
In a recent study, 8,709 older men were monitored for blocked arteries – some were taking testosterone replacements, others were not. The results? Men who took testosterone were 30% more likely to suffer a serious heath complication such as a heart attack, stroke, or death.
The study was conducted by a group of epidemiologists and physicians in Colorado, who concluded that, “[The] findings raise some uncertainty regarding the potential safety of testosterone use in men. It is important to inform patients that long-term risks are unknown and there is a possibility that testosterone therapy might be harmful.”
This doesn’t mean that men taking testosterone-boosting medication need to stop taking the medication, but they should speak with their doctors and stop taking the replacement at the first sign of a serious side effect. More importantly, doctors should keep their patients informed so that men taking “low T” medication understand the potential risks.
2010 Study Reveals Potential “Low T” Replacement Risks
In 2010, researches were in the middle of a major study to determine possible risks associated with testosterone replacers. The study was conducted on older men, who were prone to health complications such as cardiovascular disease.
Researchers cut the study short when test subjects who were taking testosterone began to suffer heart attacks at a significantly higher rate than those who weren’t taking a supplement.
Today, nearly 3% of men over 40 years old in the United States are taking prescription medication to increase testosterone levels. Thanks to manufacturers’ direct-to consumer marketing, the number of men taking “low T” replacements increased by five times between 2000 and 2011, creating a $1.6 billion industry in the U.S.
A Realistic View of Testosterone Replacement Medication
In the most recent study, researchers investigated the impact of testosterone replacements in men who already suffered some type of health complication – a test sample that more accurately represented the “average” older American male. Some previous trials only looked at men who were in good health. The problem: Many of the men who see ads for testosterone replacements are overweight, have high cholesterol, suffer from high blood pressure, and / or have diabetes.
The study followed men over a three-year stint of time. During the study, 25.7% of the patients taking a “low T” replacement suffered one of the following: heart attack, stroke, or death. Only 19.9% of men who weren’t taking testosterone suffered these side effects.
- Interestingly, men who entered the test with not coronary arteries blockage were just as likely to suffer a serious health event after taking the medication.
A physician and epidemiologist from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine concluded: “In light of the high volume of prescriptions and aggressive marketing by testosterone manufacturers, prescribers and patients should be wary…There is mounting evidence of significant cardiovascular risk.”
Testosterone Replacement Lawsuits
If you or someone you love suffered a serious health complication while taking a testosterone replacement, such as a heart attack or stroke, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses. The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP is prepared to help clients fight for the compensation that they need and deserve. Our team of California defective drug lawyers is well-versed in product liability and defective drugs, so you can rest assured that your case will be in good hands.
Schedule your consultation by calling (949) 557-5800 now.